Ryman Premier
Hampton and Richmond 2 v 1 East Thurrock United
THE impetus from new manager Alan Dowson and the arrival of three new faces spurred Borough to a much needed Ryman Premier victory on Saturday but East Thurrock left the Beveree knowing this was a match they should have got some return from.
With a squad of just 14 senior players Coventry has little room to manoeuvre when it comes to juggling his selections but for the opening half hour it looked as if Rocks were on course to get a win as they dominated play, moving the ball around fluently though they failed to seriously trouble keeper Jack Norton.
And on 35 minutes they found themselves behind, though in very controversial circumstances. Keeper David Hughes left his line to challenge for a set piece delivery from Tommy Brewer around the penalty spot and he fumbled the ball which was knocked back into the space behind the keeper where two Hampton players were marked by one defender, Simon Peddie. Clearly both were offside because of the keeper’s position and when Billy Jeffreys helped it into the net from close range, it seemed a certainty that the assistant’s flag would be raised.
But it wasn’t and though he stood his ground, as if waiting to be consulted by Mr Simpson who was besieged by protesting East Thurrock players, no discussion took place and the goal stood. In the FA Cup replay on Tuesday Rocks had benefitted from a generous refereeing decision against Hornchurch but it didn’t take long for the old football adage that “things even themselves up” to come around.
It was a lead that Hampton took the break with some comfort but the start of the second half saw a surge of pressure from the visitors.
It looked as if they would draw level when Sam Higgins played in Emmanuel Osei but the striker delayed his strike when well placed and with the angle reduced he eventually shot over the bar.
However, the leveller did come on 63 minutes from a corner when the ball was played to the back post and Peddie drifted in to head home.
Hampton were clearly susceptible to pressure at set pieces and another on target header, this time from Recce Harris, was deflected just over the bar.
The home side responded with a surging run down the right and a well-flighted cross from Jerome Federico picked out Charlie Moone who produced an accomplished finish to help it past Hughes and restore the home side’s advantage with 20 minutes remaining.
Rocks almost hit back with a long range chip from Higgins that beat Norton but dropped just over the bar.
It was the most significant contribution in the game from talismanic striker Higgins whose goalscoring touch has failed to ignite since his return to the East Thurrock fold and Coventry will hope his forward finds his scoring form soon to add venom to the good play that goes on around the box.
For the closing quarter of Saturday’s game they saw lots of the ball and the late injection of Gilbey added a bit of energy but Hampton held out in some comfort for a win that may kick-start their season, while Rocks will probably go on an win games with less possession and promise – such are the vagaries of football.
